Jags sweep Pack

Published 11:10 pm Friday, January 5, 2024

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Area basketball fans packed Dave Smith Gym in anticipation of the Eastern Plains 2A Conference matchup between five time state champion Farmville Central and sixth-ranked Washington High School.
The top team in the East prevailed, 82-59, in front of over 1,000 fans who probably left without being dazzled, but none the less impressed with the 11-1 Jaguars, who turned in a consistently solid performance in claiming their 13th straight road victory.
Washington (8-4, 1-1) trailed 37-25 at halftime after working hard at both ends of the floor. The Jags took control of the contest with a 27-15 third quarter and maintained the margin through the final eight minutes.
Farmville controlled the rebounding, which led to fast breaks and three-pointers in the second half, while taking advantage of several Pam Pack turnovers.
“That’s why they’ve won five state championships,” coach David Allewalt said. “They capitalized on every extra possession we gave them and we didn’t do a very good job rebounding nor did we stop their dribble drive to the basket. Our guys did a good job of staying composed in front of a packed house and we’ll learn from it.”
Chaise Smith and Gary Payne led the Washington scoring with 14 points, while Jerai Davenport had 12 and Javon Williams added 11, which included his 1,000th career point.
The Washington boys are back In action at home Saturday at 7 p.m. against Goldsboro, There is a full day of games starting at 1 p.m. and admission is $12.
The girls led the Jags early in the second quarter before losing 65-48. Farmville, 6-5, 2-1 turned a four point halftime lead into a 48-33 advantage to start the fourth quarter.
“This was our best game so far despite the loss,” coach Stevie Green said. “Our defense and passing was much better, but we missed too many free throws and turned it over at key times. I’m very proud of the way we competed and this game will help us the rest of the way.”
Junior Breanna Perry led the scoring with 22 points as the Pack dropped to 0-2 and 1-9 overall